CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card Program - Frequently Asked Questions

Updated November 10, 2025: 
CalFresh November benefits have been fully restored. San Francisco’s Emergency Grocery Card Program will continue to be available. 

  • Following lawsuits filed by California and other states, November CalFresh benefits have been fully restored.
  • The Emergency Grocery Card Program will continue to be available for San Francisco CalFresh recipients to receive a one-time emergency prepaid grocery card.  

  • In partnership with Crankstart, we are proud to have acted quickly to address the federal uncertainty by providing this additional food support to San Franciscans.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I’m eligible for an emergency prepaid grocery card? 
This initiative will support people who are receiving CalFresh by the end of October. 

2. What do I need to do now to get my prepaid grocery card? 
Nothing. All recipients will receive a letter with instructions for accessing their card. When you receive that letter, follow the instructions to access your card.  

3. When will I get my prepaid grocery card? 
Letters from HSA with information about how to access cards will be sent in the first week of November.  

4. How do I get access to my prepaid grocery card? 
CalFresh clients will be able to access their card as a virtual card immediately or request a physical card in the mail, which will arrive in five to seven business days.    

5. Where can I use my prepaid grocery card?  What can I use it for? 
The card can be used at grocery stores and most markets that accept EBT. It cannot be used to purchase sugary or alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.  

6. How much will I get? 
The amount on your prepaid grocery card is based on the average CalFresh benefit amount for households of a similar size to yours and may not be the same as what you usually get from CalFresh. The aid amount will be: 

  • 1-2 person household: $200

  • 3-4 person household: $350 

  • 5+ person household: $500 

7. What happens if the government shutdown ends and CalFresh recipients get their usual benefits? 
San Francisco's CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card Program is moving forward. The program will help offset the impact of federal actions that have delayed the reloading of EBT cards for CalFresh recipients. Prepaid grocery cards distributed through this program must be activated by December 31 to remain valid. 

8. How long will this program last? 
This is a one-time initiative in the month of November. 

9. Where can I get help accessing my prepaid grocery card? 
For general questions about this program, contact 3-1-1. Once notification letters are mailed, this page will be updated with detailed instructions on how to access your card and where to get assistance if needed. 

10. What if I am ineligible for the prepaid grocery card but need food help? 
If you are in a household that is not eligible for the one-time prepaid card, and you are affected by the federal government shutdown, please check the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s Food Finder page regularly for updates about additional resources for accessing food in San Francisco and Marin.

11. I operate a market and/or farmers market stand, but my card reader isn’t accepting the CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card/GiveCard—what should I do? 
If your card reader isn’t accepting GiveCard, please contact the GiveCard team at foodsf@givecard.io. They can help ensure your system is set up to process your card. Note: Most markets are automatically included based on merchant categories that sell food. Please do not call unless there is an issue. 

12. I have my CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card but I'm having an issue using it. Where can I get help?
If you need help with using your GiveCard, visit the GiveCard Key Program Information webpage  

13. How can I check my GiveCard balance? 
You can follow the instructions on the GiveCard Key Program Information webpage. You can check your GiveCard balance on the GiveCard Check Balance webpage. You can call SFHSA at (855) 355-5757 if you do not have access to the online portal. 

14: How do I add my virtual card to Apple Pay/Google Wallet?
You can follow the instructions on the GiveCard Key Program Information webpage 

15. My card was lost or stolen, or an unauthorized person activated my card before I could 
Please note, we are not able to replace grocery card funds that are lost or stolen. Once a card is transferred into a person’s possession, the card is their responsibility to manage.  If someone else claims your grocery card, this is considered identity theft, and should be reported to the police. 

Grocery cards with a remaining balance can be locked so that transactions can no longer be made. A replacement card can be issued for the remaining amount.  

To lock your card, log in to your GiveCard account and select the option to lock the card. If you need help locking your card, call SFHSA at (855) 355-5757. You will then need to contact GiveCard to request a replacement card. 

 

 

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